Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chairs high level meeting with Army Chief and the Chief Ministers of all the four provinces. PHOTO: INP
According to a media release by from the Prime Minister house, Nawaz told the high level meeting, which included interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, the four chief ministers, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, DG Inter Services Intelligence Lt Gen Zahirul Islam, Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Ashfaq Ahmad Nadeem and DG Military Operations Maj Gen Amir Riaz, that all the provincial governments and institutions have to work together and contribute collectively towards establishing security in Pakistan.
In addition to the intelligence directorate, Nawaz approved the establishment of rapid response forces at federal and provincial levels.
The meeting reviewed the newly legislated legal framework dealing with counter terrorism measures. The capacities of federal and provincial law enforcement agencies were also reviewed at length in the meeting.
The premier said that all provinces should work to ensure admissible evidence and efficient prosecution in heinous offenses within stipulated time limits. For this purpose he directed that all provinces should utilise the options available in the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance which allows electronic evidence to be admissible in court, and for video link trial with provision for transfer of trials, prisoners to other provinces.
He also directed to fast track the establishment of high security prisons in all provinces.
Earlier, DG Military Operations, Deputy Director General (ISI) and Interior Minister briefed the meeting on different aspects of internal security situation.
All Chief Secretaries and IGs of the Provinces and other government officials also attended the meeting.
Bomb disposal equipment handed over
Later Prime Minister handed over Bomb Disposal Response Vehicles (BDRV) to the Provinces.
The vehicles were received by the respective provincial chief ministers.
The vehicles are equipped with latest technology to defuse the bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
An official of Civil Defence Organisation briefed the Prime Minister about the vehicles and equipment including bomb disposal suit, jammers, processors, disrupters, specially designed blanket for splinters and explosive devise container.
Political, military leadership on same page on national security
Following the meeting, Nisar said the political and military leadership of the country are on the same page on issues of national security.
Nisar said that political and military leadership held detailed discussion on the internal security policy during the meeting. He added that more such meetings are expected to discuss the internal security of the country.
The minister said they were focusing on capacity building of security forces and increasing coordination among 26 of the intelligence agencies working in the country.
He added that the the leadership was briefed about progress on the dialogue with Taliban and the participants expressed their confidence on the process.
Referring to the handing over of keys of bomb disposal vehicles by the prime minister to the four chief ministers at a ceremony after the meeting on security, Nisar said it was for the first time in recent years that any equipment was handed over to the provinces to combat terrorism.
Under the programme, Nisar said 65 bomb disposal vehicles will be handed over to provinces in coming months, adding that in the past, personnel of bomb disposal squad were defusing bombs with their hands.
All provinces must play role in implementing policy
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Tuesday said that all provinces have to play their role in implementation of internal security policy which was presented in the Parliament.
Giving details about the meeting on Tuesday, he said it was held to review the national security and it discussed enhanced coordination between the center and provinces for eradication of terrorism.
Rashid added that all four chief ministers were called to attend the meeting as both federal and provincial governments have to play role to make country peaceful.
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Those criticising Raheel Shareef actually wanted a loose head general like nadim aslam who would create problems for democratic setup, at this time we need a general who is professional and carry soldier like approach, we need to save our country and we cant afford to have any more of Mushis in the office. I think safe city equipment and surveilance helicopters should be deployed across Pakistan so early pickup of explosives and terrorists should become possible.
Mukhbar state in the making. This is what happens when you live too long in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Raheel Shareef has been a major embarrassment. He was the weakest candidate just riding of the glory of his brother. Nawaz noticed the same and in return for promotion ensued compete and unquestioned obedience.
Pre-emptive strike policy should be adopted. I know it infringes on the basic human rights but we are at war and already we have suffered enormously. Its time that perpetrators of terrorism should suffer now, otherwise its all an eyewash.